Questions and reports related to Sierra Nevada current and forecast conditions, as well as general precautions and safety information. Trail conditions, fire/smoke reports, mosquito reports, weather and snow conditions, stream crossing information, and more.

Mono Pass has 8 permits for July 24. Pick up the permit on July 23 and camp at Mosquito Flat and then pick Ruby Lake for the first night and go to Little Lakes Valley for the rest of the trip. Just an idea if they want to reserve a permit.

We took our kid everywhere at every elevation when he was younger and he loved the high country. That being said, have lotsa breaks, and pull out that surprise yummy when they start faltering. have fun!!!

LMBSGV wrote:Mono Pass has 8 permits for July 24. Pick up the permit on July 23 and camp at Mosquito Flat and then pick Ruby Lake for the first night and go to Little Lakes Valley for the rest of the trip. Just an idea if they want to reserve a permit.

I would guess that is not a legal option though one could phone INF to be sure. On other trailheads where within a minor distance there is a split to whole other zones, they don't allow such. For instance from Onion Valley one cannot have a permit for Golden Trout Lake and then return down the trail and turn onto the Kearsarge Pass Trail that is about 0.6 miles above the trailhead. Such requires 2 separate permits to do so else someone could just hike a mile up the lightly used GT Trail, camp one night, and then return down and go up the very hard to get a permit for Kearsarge Pass Trail.

Quite agree the wiser plan with young children is short and easy lest they complain. Exceptions would be those that have already have experience backpacking from a young age. Most young kids are quite happy with almost any destination that has a stream or lake. Saddlebag is a great choice short, little vertical, and no permit quota. Pine Creek is a stiff climb of course of 2400 feet just to reach the first body of water at Pine Lake.

Green Creek to scenic East Lake would work as there are several lakes one could move minor distances to for camping at each day without getting a child worn out. Good fishing there too. About 3.5 miles and 1500 feet vertical. If the kid gets tired the first day instead just camp at Green Lake that is just 1k. Above East Lake, Summit Lake is very nice. On the return one could camp at Gilman or Nutter or West Lake. Also a walk up permit out of the Bridgeport RS is almost never an issue unless it is a holiday.